In brief
The iPhone 6 tops Business Insider's list of the 15 best phones at the start of 2015. The article highlights large-screen options, leading Android models and the OnePlus One's value, while explaining why the iPhone 5s still ranks 12th.
2015 has just begun, and major manufacturers are preparing this year's new phones. However, most next-generation flagship phones are unlikely to arrive quite so soon. So which phones are the best right now? Here are the 15 best phones selected by the authoritative overseas website Business Insider (BI):
1. iPhone 6 This may be an unsurprising choice. BI says that unless you have a strong preference for Android or Windows Phone, the iPhone 6 is the best choice. It offers a perfect combination of design, specifications and an app ecosystem, while its 4.7-inch screen is finally large enough.
2. iPhone 6 Plus If you want a large-screen phone, the iPhone 6 Plus is the best choice (provided, of course, that you do not specifically want Android / WP). The 6 Plus is thinner, lighter and better-looking than other large-screen phones, without feeling like an oversized handset.
3. Galaxy Note 4 This is the best phone Samsung has ever made. Its 5.7-inch screen is exceptionally sharp and detailed—the best phone screen ever. Its metal frame makes it far sturdier and gives it a much better feel in the hand than previous Note models. If you want a large-screen phone, you should definitely consider the Note 4.
4. HTC One M8 The One M8 was selected as the best Android phone currently available. Its all-metal body and design are of the highest standard. Its dual rear cameras let you take a photo and then adjust the zoom, an appealing feature.
5. Moto X A contender for the title of best Android phone, the Moto X offers high-quality hardware. More importantly, it runs a near-stock version of Android, allowing it to receive the latest Android version ahead of others—even some Nexus devices.
6. OnePlus One It combines flagship specifications, high-quality hardware and an appealing design. The One, the first product from smartphone newcomer OnePlus, is certainly on a par with flagship phones from established Android manufacturers such as HTC / Samsung, yet costs just half as much.
The remaining picks:
7. Nexus 6
8. Galaxy S5
9. Xperia Z3
10. Nexus 5
11. LG G3
12. iPhone 5s
13. Galaxy Note Edge
14. HTC One M8 (Windows Phone)
15. Nokia Lumia 830
Why does the iPhone 5s still rank 12th? BI believes that although the 5s is already a year old, it remains a very good phone, especially for users who prefer a smaller screen and a compact handset, for whom there are few such options. It is also a good choice for anyone looking for a less expensive iPhone.